AP Sports Preview BALTIMORE (Interstat) — The Atlanta Braves, winners of three straight, open a three-game series against the Baltimore Orioles on Friday night at Oriole Park at Camden Yards. First pitch is scheduled for 7:05 p.m. with clear skies and a temperature of 75 degrees forecast. Atlanta (60-42) enters atop the National League East, while Baltimore (50-53) sits four games under .500 in the American League East. Left-hander Chris Sale is expected to start for the Braves. In his most recent outing Thursday against San Diego, Sale (W, 6-5) allowed three earned runs on five hits with 11 strikeouts over six innings. Over his past five starts, Sale has a 3-2 record with a 2.33 ERA and 35 strikeouts in 27 innings. Right-hander Kyle Bradish will start for Baltimore. Bradish (W, 5-1) allowed one earned run on four hits with four strikeouts over six innings Wednesday at Boston. In his past five starts, Bradish is 2-2 with a 2.80 ERA and 21 strikeouts in 30 innings. Atlanta’s most recent game was a 6-5 win Thursday against San Diego. Chris Sale earned the win; designated hitter Dominic Smith went 1-for-3 with a home run and three RBIs; and reliever Raisel Iglesias earned a save with a scoreless inning and two strikeouts. Baltimore’s most recent game was a 5-1 win Wednesday at Boston. Kyle Bradish earned the win; relievers Yennier Cano and Andrew Kittredge each tossed a scoreless inning. The Braves took two of three from San Diego to open a homestand before traveling to Baltimore. Atlanta is 28-24 on the road this season. The Orioles took two of three at Boston before returning home. Baltimore is 27-24 at Camden Yards. Oddsmakers have installed Atlanta as a pregame favorite with a spread of minus-1.5. The over/under is set at 9 runs. Interstat’s game simulator projects a 7-6 final in favor of Baltimore. The series continues Saturday and Sunday before Atlanta visits the New York Mets and Baltimore travels to Detroit. Notes: Atlanta’s next 10 games include three at Baltimore, three at the New York Mets and four home against Washington. Baltimore’s next 10 include three vs. Atlanta, three at Detroit, three home vs. Philadelphia and two home vs. the Los Angeles Angels.